Tourism is a growing part of the county's economy. Having lost many
manufacturing jobs in the past 20 years, improving tourism efforts in the
county is a priority to improve its economy, which has suffered since the
Great Recession of 2008. From 2010 to 2011, the impact of domestic tourism
in Beaufort County increased by five percent. That increase is attributed to
attractions like the historic town of Bath, the City of Washington's restored
waterfront, the Aurora Fossil Museum, the Belhaven Memorial Museum and
Goose Creek State Park.
Tables 2‐4 and 2‐5 show the major employers and total jobs per industry
sector in Beaufort County, respectively.
Source: Beaufort County Economic Development
Table 2-4.
Major Employers in Beaufort County
Major Employers
Employment Range
Beaufort County Schools
Two organizations are dedicated to improving Beaufort County’s economy,
the Beaufort County Committee of 100, located in Beaufort County, and
Region Q Workforce Investment Consortium, a regional workforce
development organization.
1000+
PCS Phosphate Company 500-999
East Carolina Health 250-499
Flanders Airpure NC Division 250-499
Wal-Mart 250-499
Source: NC Commerce, Labor and Economic Analysis Division, 2014
Beaufort County Committee of 100 is a private, non‐profit organization of
community and business leaders committed to improving Beaufort County.
The organization supports Beaufort County Economic Development efforts in
retaining existing business and growing and attracting new business. The
Committee of 100 was chartered in 1985 and since then has been involved in
many Beaufort County projects that have led to new development and new
jobs. The Committee also provides leadership in tackling issues in the
community relative to economic development.
Table 2-5.
Beaufort County Jobs per Industry Sector
Industry
1,379 7.3%
Construction 1,410 7.4%
Manufacturing 2,381 12.6%
387 2.0%
1,905 10.0%
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 604 3.2%
Information 162 0.9%
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and
leasing 881 4.6%
1,051 5.5%
Retail Trade
Background Report
Professional, scientific, and management, and
administrative and waste management services
Percent
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting, and Mining
Wholesale Trade
Region Q Workforce Investment Consortium, a public‐private partnership,
administers a five county system of workforce development programs that
prepare citizens for the workforce including those who are facing economic
disadvantage, job loss, and other barriers to employment. Serving Beaufort,
Bertie, Hertford, Martin and Pitt Counties, these programs also provide a
central point for businesses for listing jobs, applicant screening and
development of training systems.
Estimate
Page 2‐13